Accidental Surrogate

Sinclair

The rogues aren’t as smart as they think they are. Their only chance would have been to attack me all at once. Instead they try to lunge at me two at a time, giving each other time to rest and rebound in between attacks. At first – the first five seconds that is – it works. The red wolf crashes into my side while a big gray beta slams into my right. Then the other two charge me, but as soon as I’ve seen what they’re about – I adapt.

The next time a wolf lunges for me I meet him head on, snatching his neck between my jaws and violently ripping into him with my fangs. As soon as he falls I turn on the other, slashing at the other wolves with my front and hind legs while my mouth rips the next attacker limb from limb. I’ve tasted their blood now, and my worry for Ella and the baby is growing stronger with every moment that passes.

These four would have been outmatched with me on a good day, but the Prince was an idiot to send them on the Solstice, and he was certainly a fool to have them attack my mate at the same time. Normal wolves can do extraordinary things to protect their families – and I’m no ordinary wolf.

Within minutes their bodies are scattered around me, and I don’t feel the slightest bit of remorse for killing them. These wolves are probably some of the same ones responsible for the attack at the canal, and while I might forgive an attack on me, I will never forgive an attack on my pack or the woman they believe is my mate.

Even if I was in a forgiving mood, I can’t afford to let them get word back to the Prince. The wolves after Ella will know she hasn’t shifted and they probably already communicated that with their friends. They’ll realize that Ella isn’t truly a she-wolf, and that secret is certainly going to die with them.

I sprint through the forest towards Ella and the other rogues. When I find Ella’s abandoned coat and realize she’s tried to lay a false trail I’m impressed, and when I realize she’s gone into the stream I’m both proud and terrified. I can hear snarling in the distance, which means she’s still alive. But how long has she been out of the water, and what have they done to her?

reach the boulders where Ella has taken refuge. The rogues are so busy clawing impotently at the rocks that they don’t even notice my arrival. I thought I would be relieved to find Ella alive – and I am – but nothing prepared

vision turns to a red haze, and I don’t even remember killing the rogues. One moment there’s nothing but the blood roaring in my ears and the taste of blood on my fangs, and the next I’m opening my eyes to a scene of utter carnage. I can’t recall ever inflicting so much damage on an enemy, I’ve

human form and use some snow to wash the blood from my face and limbs. Trying

my heaving breath. “It’s

attack. My Goddess, I think bitterly. Only a

her. I can smell her blood, though it isn’t as strong as the rogue’s. Of course, that’s not saying much, all the blood that was once inside them is now out, but it doesn’t smell like Ella

move, and fresh panic lances through me – she could have broken bones or frostbite and I wouldn’t smell a thing. “Are you

through her shock enough to lure her out of hiding. “You did so well evading them and finding a hiding place, sweetheart.”

her out. When I finally see her, however, I know she isn’t in any state to help me. Her beautiful eyes are clenched tightly shut, tears streaming down her cheeks as she clamps her hands over her ears, rocking back and forth in the small space. I doubt

but just as quickly she doubles down, as if she’s trying to block out the sensations – as

you stay here until you’re ready to

continue talking to her in the hopes that she might come back to herself